Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament building was built between 1999 and 2004 to house a devolved Scottish government which had been voted for overwhelmingly by the Scottish people in a referendum in 1997. There was a temporary parliament in Holyrood during this time and the first parliament session was held in 12 May 1999. This was the first time that Scotland had a parliament session since the Act of Union in 1707 in which Scotland became a part of Great Britain.

The parliament building is a modern design and it has had its share of critics over its design and the overall cost (some £380 million over budget and 3 years late in finishing). 

The devolved governments effect has been felt throughout Scotland with several reforms being made independent of Westminster including Scotland being the first in the UK to introduce a smoking ban and also the abolition of student tuition fees.

Opening times:

Tuesday-Thursday All year 09.00 to 18.30 (last entry 18.00)

Mondays and Fridays April to September 10.00 to 17.30 (last entry 17.00). October to March 10.00 to 16.00 (last entry 15.30)

Closed Sundays